Amongst the visiting artists from New York, there will be a world premiere of Elevator Repair Service's The Sun Also Rises, a new play from The Wooster Group called Vieux Care, and Bob Telson's The Gospel at Colonus, featuring Harlem's Abyssinian Chancel Choir joined by the Blind Boys of Alabama, at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

The theatre program will also include the world premiere of political writer Alistair Beaton's Caledonia, an exploration of Scotland's futile attempt at establishing a colony in Panama. It will be directed by Anthony Neilson and co-produced by the Festival and the National Theatre of Scotland. In addition, South America's Teatro Cinema and Teatro en el Blanco will offer a glimpse of innovative and cinematic theatre from Chile.

Beyond the theatre program, there will also be productions of George Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess, presented in a multi-media production by Opera de Lyon and hip-hop and contemporary dance company Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu, and the first U.K. appearance of San Francisco-based Alonzo King Lines Ballet.

In a press statement, Festival Director Jonathan Mills commented, "This year the Festival takes us on a journey around the contemporary cultures of the Americas and Australasia. As these diverse cultures, separated by vast oceans, converge in Edinburgh, I hope you will join us to celebrate the synergies and revelations they offer."

Public booking for all events opens March 27. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0131 473 2000, or visit www.eif.co.uk.